Prep For Machining Cast Iron

[EdK]

Condomized the mill for machining cast iron.

Ed

   

[rleete]

Quite the optimist, aren't you?

[EdK]

(12-28-2023, 03:28 PM)rleete Wrote: Quite the optimist, aren't you?

Probably.

Ed

[Hawkeye]

Hey, Ed. After you wash your hands, scrub them with shampoo. You'd be amazed how much more black you'll get out.

[rleete]

Do we get a hint as to what you are making?

[EdK]

(12-29-2023, 12:08 PM)rleete Wrote: Do we get a hint as to what you are making?

A block to mount the QCTP on to eliminate the compound. I made one previously but for some really stupid reason I did not make it to the same height as the compound which requires me to adjust the tool holders in the QCTP when I switch between the block and the compound. A royal pain in the butt because of my stupidity!

I machined two sides of the block and found there ware ridges on the surfaces that pointed to an out of tram mill head so I de-condomized the mill and measured the tram. I was expecting the Y tram to be out based on the ridges but it was spot on and the X tram was within .00025" so out of tram was eliminated. Next I measured for jaw lift on the movable jaw of the vise but there was none at all. Perplexing to say the least.

So now I'm trying a fly cutter to see if I get better results. To be continued.  

Ed

[rleete]

Maybe too much play in the ways? New mills have to run in a bit to seat, and then need to be readjusted to eliminate any play.

[EdK]

(12-30-2023, 03:19 PM)rleete Wrote: Maybe too much play in the ways?  New mills have to run in a bit to seat, and then need to be readjusted to eliminate any play.

I don't think that's it. I've got the gibs fairly tight, but it's worth testing with a DI to see if there's any movement.

The fly cutter isn't working too well. I think the geometry of the cutting edge is not quite right so I'm going to put that project aside for now and work on something else until I get the tool ground properly.

Ed

[rleete]

Flycutting is the way to go. RPM slow, medium feed. Small radius on cutter, absolutely sharp. I don't use top rake for CI, but do for aluminum.